It is Boxing Day of 2020, and I wanted to post a little about where I’m at during these crazy times. I hope you have all been enjoying your holidays, whatever you celebrate. Even though many of us cannot visit with family or friends right now, we need to remember that we’ll still get though this. We may miss our loved ones, but not seeing them at this time of year is far less important than being able to see them at all in the future. Whatever you choose to believe about the virus and how it’s being handled, the fact remains that it is affecting the lives and health of a great number of people. The best thing we can do is be diligent about our hygiene and be mindful about how close we stand to the people around us. Limiting the spread is how we can be respectful and caring of others.
In many ways, this year has been very different from all years previous. Obviously, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a lot to do with that. It’s affected people’s jobs, their livelihood, their relationships. For an introvert like me, some aspects have been hard but others, not so much. I rather enjoy my bubble, and it’s recently given me a lot of time to work on my writing. For that, I am grateful for 2020. The Year of the Covid has brought a lot of negativity to the world, but in it’s wake, there can be joy, if you look for it.
Is it wrong that I’ve been so involved in my writing that I just couldn’t wait to get back to it? I took time off to spend with family (already in my household bubble) for Christmas. I didn’t touch my iPad or my blog or my WIP… even though I was itching to do so.
So here I am, diving right back in to where I left off. I’m in the process of revising and editing WHS (you can read more about that here), while at the same time working on my newest novel (not telling you the name of it just yet!) It features the same main character, Jennifer Leighton, and is based on the same underlying concept as the first book, but it’s a completely different storyline. And I’m super excited to shape it into what will be Book #2 in the Jennifer Leighton series.
I’ll admit, I feel a bit guilty for jumping right back into my writing when Christmas Day was only yesterday. But I feel like it can’t be helped. Stories matter! They must be written. Things are pretty lax around here. The hustle and bustle of Christmas is over, the day has come and gone, and we were slightly comatose from the turkey dinner last night. Today, it’s relaxed and lazy. Quiet. Our area has entered lockdown as of today, so there’s nowhere to go. No job responsibilities. Can’t visit family. So why not visit with my fictional characters instead?
How much have you been involved in your writing leading up to and during the holidays? I know I can’t be the only one! What are you working on, dear writers?
Lastly, take a few moments to think about five good things that have come out of this otherwise horrible year. Come on, there has to be some. In no particular order, here are mine:
1. I had a wonderful summer with my kids this year. We did and saw so much, staying in line with the rules in our area regarding the pandemic. We probably did more this summer than many other summers combined, and really made the most of the beautiful, hot weather.
2. My writing has taken off. Seriously. This year may go down in the books as being the #worstyearever and it has meant many things to many people. But for me, it has allowed me to take my writing to the next level. I’ve accomplished so much this year and I can’t wait to see what my future holds as an author. There are many exciting things on the horizon!
3. My loved ones: My parents. They have been wonderful supporters when a lot of stuff has been difficult to handle alone. Also, the select few people I hold nearest and dearest to my heart – you know who you are. Without you, life would be boring and hold much less meaning. I look forward to reuniting, however that looks for us.
4. Norman, my fur baby. King of the castle, thief of laps, lover of treats. He’s a loyal companion. He snuggles with me when I’m sleeping, plays fetch with me when he’s rambunctious. He was the most perfect kitty when I adopted him as a kitten from a rescue centre, and despite his typical cattitude, I love his sass. (You can follow him on Instagram @thekittynorman)
5. The beauty of the world. We can still get out and go exploring – something I love to do. Camera in hand, I like to go off on drives or walks and either discover something new or revisit a path I’ve walked down many times since childhood. We may not be able to travel far right now, but there are many places in our own areas that can be breathtaking if you choose to look for the beauty. My Favorite Place on Earth is a few short hours away – close enough to still be frequently enjoyed in the warmer times of the year, yet far enough away from the city to be a beautiful, private, serene oasis. The place where I feel most at peace. Somewhere I can’t wait to get back to when the snow has melted and the warmth of the sun has once more encouraged new growth.
How badly you are affected by this year’s craziness begins with you. Choose to see the good. Choose to find even little things that can bring you joy. Write about it! Keep a journal, if it helps. You can call it, “Not today, Covid-19, not today.”
Leave a comment with what you’re working on, or five things you’re thankful for! I’m curious to see what others hold nearest and dearest to their hearts.
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Kathleen Foxx || Author || Editor || Podcast Host 